Future Infrastructure Developments

[White Heather]

That is completely opposite to what we have been told by LBA at the Consultative Meeting. They have ordered 500 new seats to go in the new area and we were told that these seats would be generally available and not linked to any eateries etc. The seats ordered to go in there are identical to those used in Terminal 5 at LHR - and not the sort of seat to be used in the Executive Lounge. All that said I do know that there are plans to relocate the Executive Lounge at some point, but no details have been given as to where.

 

[tleeds]

All of the advertising around the airport suggests the same WH. It’s the Airport themselves whom are discussing the moving of the lounge. I believe early plans are being drawn up too, and it’s on good authority that the free seating won’t be free seating for long.. shame really.

 

[White Heather]

Brings a whole new meaning to the phrase 'Pay per view'. If they do that and you want a view of the airfield, you will pay for it. It would be a very large executive lounge though. 500 capacity seems overkill. I can feel a question coming on for the next Consultative Meeting - shame its not until December.

 

[Aviador]

Brings a whole new meaning to the phrase 'Pay per view'. If they do that and you want a view of the airfield, you will pay for it. It would be a very large executive lounge though. 500 capacity seems overkill. I can feel a question coming on for the next Consultative Meeting - shame its not until December.

Not saying I like the idea, but, to move the executive lounge from is present position and making that area all seating does make sense as it's closer to the retail areas. Moving the executive lounge to the end also means people using the executive lounge will have to pass all the retail areas before they can use the lounge. It will also be closer to most of the departure gates allowing priority to be given to those passengers. Thoughts?

 

[tleeds]

I was going to suggest maybe ask a question regarding it! I’d be interested to see whether they admit to planning it or whether they bat it away.

The works are coming on very nicely too, shouldn’t be too far away for the opening now all the major works have been done!

 

[lbaspotter]

Just seen another few tweets which have been posted by Watson Batty within the last month showing some more pictures of the terminal building departure lounge extension.

You can following them on twitter using the following link. https://twitter.com/Watsonbatty

View attachment 6424 View attachment 6425

 

[quik123]

It's going to be split into 3 separate lounges from what I have heard. The original lounge then becomes seating.
Due for early next year. The new seats (500)are currently stored in the new area, having been ordered before the change in management and before the decision to make new lounges. You couldn't make it up!

 

[KARFA]

Oh so it really is going to become a lounge(s) rather than being used as general departure area? Looks like it will have great views over the runway and apron, the YPL doesn’t have any views. Am excited this is being done but also pleased there will be more general seating in the departures area too.

 

[White Heather]

Sounds to me as though a complete re-think is taking place. They have ordered 500 more public seats and promised that these would result in 500 more seats available for the public, which are not in any way linked to eateries, bars, lounges etc. where there are associated costs. I do know that they were considering moving the Yorkshire Premier Lounge, so perhaps they are going to put it in this new area, where there is more space available. I am unsure however, how if they do that, they can create another 500 seats as promised for the passengers who don't want a lounge or eatery or bar. The old Premier Lounge area is surely not big enough to fit 500 more seats in. I would think 200 -300 maximum. Perhaps only part of the new area will be used as a lounge, with the remainder taking some of the 500 general seats? It will be interesting to see how things turn out but it does seem that completion is on hold until they have made a decision.

 

[tleeds]

What’s even funnier is the current contractors have taken a massive hit on earnings from this development in delays and subsequent fines as well as extra costs. The airport have pitched the new lounge development to them and because they were detterred from the contract due to little profit being made from it they increased the costs by nearly 60%!

The airport still said yes and wanted them to do the work....!!!

From them giving a quote it seems to me like plans have already been drawn up, albeit at a very early stage. I do know this is quite “a goer” in the fact that it’s being readily spoken about the Business Lounge moving across to the new developed area. The family/ leisure lounge would be replacing the current Business lounge due to the new works and kitchen being expanded there already. I’ve heard that the current Leisure lounge would either be an extension of extra free seating or even another eatery such as TGI Fridays etc, the latter probably being less probable.

All the seating is there waiting to be used but at the minute no sign of the partition wall being knocked down so you can gain access to it. The contractors are off site no sign of any workmen and so it just seems all a waste there now.
I do know a large portion of the LBA Terminal and Lounge teams have been up to Newcastle to view how they run their Parking, Information Desk and Lounge etc.

A lot more comfier seating has been installed throughout the terminal however. They all have soft black padding covering the seat which is an improvement from the bare silver metal ones previously available.

The FatFace store is to become a Christmas Shop until an official permenant store can be fitted.

 

[oldendays]

The name-change to Newcastle South will be the next project at this rate.

I'm all for the new management team having a fresh approach but I'm a little concerned that our airport is heading towards being a clone of Woolsington International. Some of the Newcastle airlines and routes I will, however, happily accept.

 

[jason1-11]

Having visited NCL recently, I can confirm this is an example airport that LBA should be looking to replicate. Spacious with an excellent layout, well run, friendly staff and a great selection of schedule services that Oldendays eluded to.

In Dave we trust.

 

[Finger66]

Having visited NCL recently, I can confirm this is an example airport that LBA should be looking to replicate. Spacious with an excellent layout, well run, friendly staff and a great selection of schedule services that Oldendays eluded to.

In Dave we trust.

Absolutely. Very well said

 

[White Heather]

MarkieTG passed through LBA this morning and asked me to post the following photos on his behalf. They are of a small seating area opposite the new Gate 8.



View attachment 6580 View attachment 6581 View attachment 6582 View attachment 6583

 

[markietg]

Thanks WH for your help! Out with FR this morning 141 on board.....back with EI tomorrow.

 

[Aviador]

Thanks WH for your help! Out with FR this morning 141 on board.....back with EI tomorrow.

Hi there! Don't know if you're aware markietg but there's step by step instructions on how to add your photos in the help tab at the base of the forum in the grey bar.

 

[Bigman]

That grey paint work looks a bit dull and uninspiring.

 

[B737]

The Sports Bar is now being renovated and will reopen as The Beer HouseView attachment 6584 View attachment 6585

 

[lbaspotter]

Contractors have been on site of the new Long Stay Car Park that's been built on land which is situated right in between the airfield boundary & Warren House Lane today. (Basically its the bit of land that runs from Echo turning loop down towards the A658 road tunnel, opposite The Farmhouse Inn)
I've read they did the test drilling quite a while ago but today saw the over grown grass been cut as its understood that groundwork's should be starting shortly.

 

[Aviador]

What happened to the service station they were going to build there?